Barrier System and Barrier System Installation Method

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a bollard system including an impact receiving post and a foundation cage. The impact receiving post includes an outer surface, a proximal end, and a distal end. The foundation cage defines a three-dimensional lattice structure. The foundation cage is coupled to the proximal end of the impact receiving post and is configured for installation in concrete beneath a ground surface. The foundation cage defines a recess to receive a proximal portion of the impact receiving post. The foundation cage includes a horizontal stop member at least partially extending across the recess and supporting the impact receiving post and preventing the impact receiving post from extending further into the foundation cage before the concrete sets.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/258,886 filed Jan. 8, 2021, which is a U.S. National Phase ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2019/042194 filed on Jul. 17, 2019,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/699,633 filed Jul. 17, 2018 entitled “Barrier System” and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/732,780 filed Sep. 18, 2018entitled “Barrier System”, each of which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to barrier systems used to protect people andstructures from collisions with vehicles, to control vehicle access tocertain areas, to direct a flow of traffic, and/or to reduce damage tothe vehicles that do contact the barrier system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, there is a barrier system including an impactreceiving post having a solid cross section, the impact receiving postbeing bendable and having proximal end and distal end, and a foundationcage coupled to the proximal end and configured for installation beneatha ground surface.

The barrier system may include a damper coupled to the outer surface ofthe impact receiving post. The damper may extend at least partiallyalong a length of the post. The damper may be comprised of anelastomeric material. In a further embodiment, the barrier systemincludes a cover that extends over the outer surface of the damper. Thecover may comprise stainless steel. The foundation cage may comprise aplurality of members that cross one another to define a porous threedimensional structure. The foundation cage may define a recess thatreceives the impact receiving post and the foundation cage may include aplatform at least partially extending across the recess to support theimpact receiving post and prevent the impact receiving post fromextending further into the foundation cage. The foundation cage mayinclude a proximal end and a distal end, and the platform may be spacedapart from the proximal end and the distal end. The foundation cage mayinclude one or more support members and the impact receiving post mayextend through the support members. The foundation cage may include abeam which extends from a top of the foundation cage to a bottom of thefoundation cage. The beam may extend from a first lateral side of thefoundation cage to a second lateral side of the foundation cage, thesecond lateral side of the foundation cage opposite the first lateralside of the foundation cage. The beam may include a through-hole and theimpact receiving post may extend through the through-hole. The beam maybe oriented in line with an expected direction of impact. The impactabsorbing post may include a flange, and the through hole may beadjacent a ridge that defines a pocket to receive the flange.

The barrier system may comply with at least one of ASTM F3016, ASTMF3016M, ASTM F2656, ASTM F2656M, PAS 68, and IWA 14. The impactreceiving post may comprise a portion of a stainless steel rod stock.The impact receiving post may have a diameter of about 4 inches. Theimpact receiving post may have a height extending from the foundationcage of at least about 30 inches. The impact receiving post may have adiameter of about 4 inches and a height extending from the foundationcage of about 30 inches to about 54 inches. The foundation cage mayoverlap the impact receiving post by at least 21 inches. The foundationcage may have a diameter of about 6 inches. The foundation cage may havea height of about 36 inches and a diameter of about 6 inches.

The impact receiving post may be a solid steel post. The impactreceiving post may be fabricated from steel having a tensile strength ofat least 500 megapascals. The foundation cage may include an openingsuch that the impact receiving post is received in the opening in apredetermined orientation relative to the foundation cage.

The foundation cage and the impact receiving post may be configured tolimit a displacement of the distal end of the impact receiving post to48 inches or less when the barrier system is struck by a vehicleweighing up to 5,000 pounds and traveling at up to 10 mph. The footingand the impact receiving post may be configured to limit a displacementof the distal end of the impact receiving post to 48 inches or less whenthe barrier system is struck by a vehicle weighing up to 5,000 poundsand traveling at up to 20 mph.

In another embodiment, a barrier system comprises an impact receivingpost having proximal end, a distal end, and a solid cross section, anelastomeric damper disposed on an outer surface of the impact receivingpost, the elastomeric damper extending at least partially along a lengthof the impact receiving post, a cover disposed over an outer surface ofthe elastomeric damper, and a foundation cage including a plurality ofmembers that cross one another to define a porous three dimensionalstructure, the foundation cage configured for installation in concretebeneath a ground surface and to receive the proximal end of the impactreceiving post. The impact receiving post, the elastomeric damper andthe cover may be configured to bend in response to being struck by avehicle. The footing and the impact receiving post may limitdisplacement of the distal end of the steel impact receiving post to 48inches or less when the barrier system is struck by a vehicle weighingup to 5,000 pounds and traveling at up to 30 mph.

In another embodiment, a barrier system comprises an impact receivingpost having proximal end, a distal end, and a solid cross section, and aprefabricated foundation cage configured for installation in concretebeneath a surface and configured to receive the proximal end of theimpact receiving post. When installed in the concrete, the s impactreceiving post may be configured to meet or exceed at least one of ASTMF3016, ASTM F3016M, ASTM F2656, ASTM F2656M, PAS 68, and IWA 14standards.

In another embodiment, a barrier system comprises a steel impactreceiving post having a solid cross section, a proximal end, and adistal end, and a foundation cage coupled to the proximal end of thesteel impact receiving post, the foundation cage having a diameter ofabout 4 inches to about 8 inches and a length below the steel impactreceiving post of about 15 inches. The foundation cage may define arecess with a portion of the steel impact receiving post within therecess. The steel impact receiving post may have a diameter of 4 inches,a total length of about 40 inches to about 60 inches including a lengthabove the foundation cage of about 34 inches to about 44 inches, and anoverlap length where the steel impact post overlaps the foundation cageof about 16 inches to about 26 inches.

In another embodiment, a method of installing a barrier system includesdigging a hole having a maximum diameter of 24 inches into a groundsurface, inserting a first end of an impact receiving post having asolid cross section into a foundation cage, the impact receiving posthaving a diameter of 4 inches and a height of about 24 inches to about48 inches, inserting the foundation cage and the impact receiving postinto the hole, and inserting a substrate into the hole. The method mayinclude core drilling an opening in a surface prior to the digging thehole. Core drilling may include drilling with a 12 inch drill bit.Digging the hole may include using a 10 inch auger. The method mayinclude welding the foundation cage prior to inserting the foundationcage and the impact receiving post into the hole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofembodiments of the barrier system and barrier system installationmethod, will be better understood when read in conjunction with theappended drawings of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood,however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown. For example, although not expressly statedherein, features of one or more various disclosed embodiments may beincorporated into other of the disclosed embodiments.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 a perspective view of a barrier system in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the post of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front, elevational view of the barrier system of FIG. 1installed in a substrate in the ground;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the barrier system of FIG. 1taken along a plane including line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional top plan view of the barrier system of FIG.1 taken along a plane including line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional top plan view of the barrier system of FIG.1 taken along a plane including line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional top plan view of the barrier system of FIG.1 taken along a plane including line 7-7 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the barrier system of FIG. 1 in a deflectedposition;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a barrier system in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the barrier system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a barrier system in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the barrier system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the barrier system of FIG. 11 with acover and damper; and

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the barrier system of FIG. 11taken along a plane including line 14-14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-8 wherein like reference numerals indicate likeelements throughout, there is shown a barrier system, generallydesignated 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The barrier system 100 may be configured to stop or hindersomeone from driving a vehicle into an area. The barrier system 100 mayprotect a structure within the area (e.g., building), an area itself(e.g., outside dining tables), and/or an area occupied by pedestrians(e.g., a sidewalk). For example, the barrier system 100 may be useful toprevent egress of cars from a storefront where there is heavy foottraffic and otherwise unobstructed access to glass doors and windows. Aseries of barrier systems 100 may be used to create a vehicle barrierbut allow for pedestrian traffic between the barrier systems 100. Thebarrier system 100 may include or also be referred to as a bollard.

Existing bollards may pull out of the ground partially or entirely,break, or shear off entirely upon impact with a vehicle allowing egressof the vehicle into the area intended to be vehicle free and/or causingthe bollard or portions of the bollard to become a dangerous projectile.Because existing bollards are typically rigid structures, an impact withthe bollard may also or alternatively result in unnecessary injury(e.g., avoidable air bag deployment) and/or damage to a vehicle. Damageto the vehicle and air bag deployment may be of particular concern inminor incidental impacts between a vehicle and a bollard (e.g., where adriver drives forward rather than in reverse when pulling out of aparking space in front of a building).

Existing bollards are typically hollow metal pipes filled with concrete.While such a bollard may give the impression of a secure barrier, suchbollards have drawbacks. For one, concrete has low shear strengthespecially since the metal pipe is susceptible to corrosion. Also,typical barriers are often supported by too shallow or too massive of afooting resulting in the bollard ripping out of the ground upon impactor a reluctance by the property owner to replace the bollard after minorimpacts with a vehicle due to the amount of concrete that would need tobe replaced and the heavy machinery involved. Further, the undergroundfooting reinforcement, if any, is typically manufactured on site andsubject to assembly errors and oversights that are undetectable onceinstalled and the underground portion is encased in concrete.

The barrier system 100 described herein is more resistant to corrosionand may undergo limited deflection when struck by an object to deflectand absorb some of the impact energy. The barrier system 100, in someembodiments, may also have further impact absorbing features such ascovers and dampers and be easier to install and replace than traditionalsafety barrier systems as discussed in further detail below. The barriersystem 100 may also have a pre-fabricated footing assembly that reliablyretains the barrier system 100 in the ground while being easier toinstall and taking up a smaller footprint than traditional barriersystems.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the barrier system 100 includes a post 120. Thepost 120 may bend or deflect when impacted by a vehicle to deflect andabsorb some of impact energy when struck by a vehicle as discussed infurther detail below. The post 120 may be or may include a core 124. Insome embodiments, the core 124 is a solid core (e.g., a core having asolid cross section). Existing hollow bollards may buckle when impactedby a vehicle. A core 124 having a solid cross section may resistbuckling. A core 124 having a solid cross section may be resilient orbendable. The core 124 may be solid across at least a majority of itscross section such that there are no holes or gaps. For example, thecore 124 may be cut from a stainless steel rod stock. In otherembodiments, at least a portion of the core 124 is hollow (e.g., such asproximate the proximal end for attachment to the footing and/orproximate the distal end to accommodate sensors). In other embodiments,the core 124 has a substantially solid cross section (e.g., any centralaxially extending hole has a diameter that is less than about 50%, about25%, or about 10% of the core diameter).

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the core 124 may be comprised of 4-inchdiameter hot dipped galvanized steel rod stock that is cut to thedesired length. In some embodiments, the desired length is about 60inches. In some embodiment, the desired length is at least 60 inches. Inother embodiments, the desired length may be about 90 inches, about 85inches, about 80 inches, about 75 inches, about 70 inches, about 65inches, about 60 inches, about 55 inches, about 50 inches, about 45inches, or about 40 inches. In some embodiments, the rod stock is turnedon a lathe to remove an outer layer of the core 124 (e.g., an outerlayer having a thickness of about 1 millimeter). Removing an outer layerof the core may help with galvanizing the steel, to make the core 124the desired diameter, and/or improve the appearance of the core 124,particularly for cores 124 that will be visible after installation. Insome embodiments, the core 124 is galvanized after it is turned on thelathe. In other embodiments, the core 124 is galvanized after the core124 is cut from rod stock.

The core 124 may be resilient such that the core 124 flexes to absorbsome of the force of impact from a vehicle. The core 124 may becomprised of metal such as stainless steel (e.g., 316L stainless steel),1045 hot rolled steel, 1045 polished steel, 1018 hot rolled steel, A36steel, 12L14 steel, 1117 hot rolled steel, 1141 hot rolled steel, 1144steel, or 4140 steel). The core 124 may be galvanized. By providing asolid core without concrete that extends from a secure base in theground, the barrier system 100 is more corrosion resistant andconfigured to elastically bend or deflect when impacted by a vehicle, asdescribed in greater detail below. The core 124 may be a continuous corethat extends from below grade to above grade. The core 124 may includean indicator 136 configured to be positioned level with the grade whenthe core 124 is installed. The indicator 136 may provide an installerwith a visual indication of the alignment of the core 124 relative tothe ground surface. In some embodiments, the indicator 136 is a groovethat is cut into the outer surface of the core 124 during the turningprocess. In other embodiments, the indicator 136 is painted or drawn onthe core 124.

In some embodiments, the core 124 is cut from rod stock to a desiredlength. In one embodiment, the core 124 has a diameter of 4 inches. Inother embodiments, the core 124 may have a diameter of about 10 inches,about 9 inches, about 8 inches, about 7 inches, about 6 inches, about 5inches, about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about 2 inches, or about 1 inch.Holes (e.g., tap hole 125) or openings (e.g., opening 198) may bedrilled in the core 124 after the core 124 is galvanized. A tap hole 125may be positioned at each of the proximal end and the distal end of thecore 124. The tap hole 125 may have a diameter of 0.5 inches with 13threads per inch.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the barrier system 100 may include a cover 122extending over the core 124. The cover 122 may include a recess toreceive the core 124. The cover 122 may be closed on one end and open onthe other end. The cover 122 may be fabricated from marine grade 316Lstainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, iron, or a polymeric material.The cover 122 may be detachably coupled to the core 124. The cover 122may include a light and the cover 122 may be detachably coupled to thecore 124 to replace the light. The cover 122 may be replaceable afterthe barrier system 100 is installed. A replaceable cover 122 mayeliminate the need to replace the entire barrier system 100 when thebarrier system 100 is subjected to only a relatively small force ofimpact. The cover 122 may be moveable relative to the core 124 uponimpact to allow for further absorption and deflection of the impact. Forexample, the cover 122 may reversibly bend radially inwardly toward thecore to absorb minor impacts with the barrier system (e.g., a vehicleweighing up to 5,000 pounds traveling under 5 miles per hour). The post120 may include the cover 122 and the core 124. A center of the crosssection of the post 120 may be solid. A distal end of the barrier system100 may be free and unattached once installed to for a cantileverstructure.

It may be desirable for a barrier system to provide notification when avehicle has collided with the barrier system. At least one of the cover122 and the core 124 may include a sensor (not shown but could be anaccelerometer, gyroscope, or force gauge). The sensor may be connectedto a device configured to communicate with a user or an app (e.g., via awired or wireless connection such as cellular, Bluetooth, WiFi or Zigbeecommunication protocols). The sensor may be configured to transferinformation to a system and/or user to indicate that the barrier systemhas been impacted, the location of the barrier system, and the severityof the impact and automatically send an alert.

The cover 122 may also provide for a more customizable, replaceable, andprofessional appearance as compared to typical bollard that includespainted metal and concrete. In some embodiments, the cover 122 has agenerally tubular shape. In other embodiments, the cover 122 isspherical. In still other embodiments, the cover 122 is rectangular ortriangular. The cover 122 may have the shape of an object such as alight post, furniture (e.g., a bench), a garbage can, a person, ananimal, a character, or a pawn shape. Multiple barrier systems 100 maybe positioned adjacent each other to form a planter. Multiple barriersystems 100 may be positioned near each other and connected to eachother to form a fence.

With a 4-inch core 124, the cover 122 may have a 6.75 inch outerdiameter d₂. In other embodiments, the cover 122 may have an outerdiameter d₂ of about 12 inches, about 11 inches, about 10 inches, about9 inches, about 8 inches, about 7 inches, about 6 inches, about 5inches, about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about 2 inches, or about 1 inch.

It may be desirable to couple an object to the barrier system 100. Anupper end of the cover 122 may include an opening and a post (not shownbut could be, for example, a 2.5 inch diameter post) may extend throughthe opening and couple to the core 124. A bracket (not shown) may coupleto the core 124 via threaded engagement with the tap hole 125. A firstend of the post may be coupled to the bracket and a second end of thepost may be coupled to another object (e.g., a sign or a light).

Referring to FIG. 2, the barrier system 100 may include a damper 126.The damper 126 may be positioned between the core 124 and the cover 122.The damper 126 may absorb at least some energy when the barrier system100 is impacted by a vehicle (e.g., a vehicle weighing up to 5,000pounds traveling under 5 miles per hour). The damper 126 may becomprised of a resilient material such as rubber or elastomer (e.g.,ethylene propylene diene terpolymer rubber). The damper 126 may at leastpartially return toward its original shape after the barrier system 100is impacted by an external object. The damper 126 may couple to an outersurface of the core 124. The damper 126 may extend at least partiallyalong a length of the core 124. The damper 126 may be fixed to the core124 and the cover 122 may be detachably coupled to the damper 126 orcore 124. The cover 122 may extend along an outer surface of the damper126. In one embodiment, the cover 122 and the damper 126 extend alongthe majority of the length of the core 124 extending from a groundsurface once installed. A vehicle may impact the cover 122 when thebarrier system 100 is struck. The cover 122 may absorb some of the forceof impact (e.g., by deforming) and also transfer some of the force ofimpact to the damper 126. The damper 126 may also absorb some of theforce of impact and transfer some of the force of impact to the core124.

Referring to FIG. 2, the damper 126 may have one or more outer surfaces192. The outer surfaces 192 may be radially-spaced by interposed innersurfaces 194. A portion of the damper 126 may deform or displace intothe spaces between the alternating inner surfaces 194 and outer surfaceswhen the barrier system 100 is impacted by a vehicle. The outer surfaces192 may have a radius of curvature that matches the radius of the insidesurface of the cover 122. The inner surfaces 194 may define an innerdiameter that is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the core124. The alternating inner surfaces 194 and outer surfaces 192 of thedamper 126 may ensure a tight fit against inner diameter of the cover122 and a tight fit against the outer diameter of the core 124. Theouter surfaces 192 may define the outer diameter of damper 126.

The damper 126 may be a unitary construct including the inner surfaces194 and outer surfaces 192 such that the damper 126 is simultaneously incontact with and spaced from each of the cover 122 and the core 124 whenthe post 120 is assembled. The post 120 may be at least partiallyhollow. There may be a space between the outer surface 192 and the core124 when the damper 126 is coupled to the core 124. There may be a spacebetween the inner surface 194 and the cover 122 when the damper 126 iscoupled to the core 124. The space between the damper 126 and the cover122 may extend the longitudinal length of the damper 126. The spacebetween the damper 126 and the core 124 may extend the longitudinallength of the damper 126. The post 120 may include a void defined by thespaces between the damper 126 and the cover 122 and the damper 126 andthe core 124.

It may be desirable to prevent the cover 122 from detaching from thepost 120 and becoming a projectile when the barrier system 100 isimpacted. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, the core 124, damper 126, andcover 122 may be coupled to each other. In some embodiments, a fastener138 (e.g., a threaded fastener, dowel, or pin) couples the core 124,damper 126, and cover 122 to each other. In some embodiments, thefastener 138 is removable to allow for replacement of the cover 122. Inother embodiments, the fastener 138 is only removable with a speciallykeyed tool to prevent tampering. In still other embodiments, thefastener 138 is not removable from the barrier system 100 onceassembled. In other embodiments, the core 124 damper 126 and cover 122are coupled to each other via welding, adhesive, or interference fit.

Still referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, the barrier system 100 may includean opening 198 to receive the fastener 138. In some embodiments, atleast one opening 198 extends through the cover 122, the damper 126, andpartially into the core 124. The opening 198 may be configured toreceive the fastener 128, thereby coupling securing the core 124, damper126 and cover 122 together. The opening 198 may be at a distance d₂₀above the surface 114 of the ground. The distance d₂₀ may be about 2inches, about 3 inches, about 4 inches or greater than about 4 inches.The opening 198 may be positioned above a portion of the core 124 thatexperiences a maximum bending force when impacted by a vehicle. In someembodiments, the portion of the core 124 between the ground surface 114and about 4 inches above the ground surface 114 is the portion thatexperiences the most bending when impacted by a vehicle. In someembodiments, the barrier system 100 include three openings 198 andcorresponding fasteners equally spaced from one another.

In some embodiments, the damper 126 and cover 122 provide a level ofsafety protection but the core 124 is configured to provide the majorityof safety protection. In alternative embodiments, one or both of thedamper 126 and cover 122 may be omitted entirely. In other embodiments,the damper 126 may be integral with the cover 122 or integral with thecore 124. In alternative embodiments, the damper 126 may be coupled tothe core 124 without the cover 122. The cover 122 may be sandwichedbetween two dampers 126. In some embodiments, the damper 126 or thecover 122 may extend over two or more cores 124. For example, the covermay include a cross members or a lattice structure that extends betweentwo or more barrier system cores to limit pedestrian movement betweenthe barrier systems while the cores themselves provide the majority ofthe vehicle protection.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the barrier system 100 may include a footing110 that helps maintain the orientation of at least a lower portion ofthe barrier system 100 relative to the surface 114 (e.g., the ground).The footing 110 may include a foundation cage 130 and a substrate 112(e.g., concrete, asphalt, cement, or stone). The footing 110 may beinstalled in a hole in the ground 132. The footing 110 may have ahorizontal diameter d₁₁ of about 14 inches, about 12 inches, about 10inches, about 8 inches, or about 6 inches. In some embodiments, thebarrier system 100 may have a footprint that is about 90% smaller thanthe footprint of existing bollard systems. The substrate 112 may beconcrete having a strength of about 2,000 pounds per square inch, about2,500 pounds per square inch, about 3,000 pounds per square inch, about3,500 pounds per square inch, about 4,000 pounds per square inch, about4,500 pounds per square inch, or about 5,000 pounds per square inch.

Referring to FIG. 4, the barrier system 100 may extend above the surface114 so drivers can see the barrier system 100 as well as to preventegress of a vehicle. The distance d₁ that the core 124 extends above thesurface 114 when installed may be about 54 inches, about 48 inches,about 44 inches, about 40 inches, about 36 inches, about 32 inches, orabout 30 inches. The distance d₆ that the core 124 extends below thesurface 114 may be about 32 inches, about 28 inches, about 24 inches,about 20 inches, or about 16 inches.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the barrier system 100 is installed suchthat the proximal end of the barrier system extends into the ground. Thebarrier system 100 may include a foundation cage 130 to reinforce thedistal end of the barrier system underground. The foundation cage 130may define a recess 109 to receive the proximal end of the core 124. Thefoundation cage 130 may include a plurality of members that cross oneanother to define a three-dimensional lattice structure. Thethree-dimensional lattice structure may allow for concrete to be pouredinto and around the foundation cage 130 and for the concrete to flowvertically and horizontally through the foundation cage 130 such thatthe foundation cage 130 and the proximal end of the core 124 is fullyencased in the concrete footing.

Still referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the foundation cage 130 mayinclude one or more horizontal rods 108. In some embodiments, thehorizontal rods 108 are spaced equidistant from each other. In otherembodiments, the distance between the horizontal rods 108 varies. Insome embodiments, the distance ds between at least two of the horizontalrods 108 at the top of the foundation cage 130 is less than the distanced₉ between at least two of the horizontal rods 108 at the bottom of thefoundation cage. In other embodiments, there is more space between atleast two of the horizontal rods 108 at the top of the foundation cage130 than between at least two of the horizontal rods 108 at the bottomof the foundation cage. In one embodiment, distance d₅ or distance d₉ isabout 6 inches, about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about 2inches, or about 1 inch. The top horizontal rod 108 may be positionedbelow the surface at a distance d₄ of about 6 inches, about 5 inches,about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about 2 inches, or about 1 inch. Atleast one horizontal rod 108 may define a platform 144 to support thecore 124 when the core is inserted into an opening defined by thefoundation cage 130.

Still referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the foundation cage 130 mayinclude one or more vertical rods 106. The vertical rods 106 may bespaced equidistant from each other. The vertical rods 106 may extend thelength of foundation cage 130. In some embodiments, at least one of thevertical rods 106 extends from the bottom of foundation cage 130 butdoes not extend completely to the top of foundation cage 130. At leasttwo of the vertical rods 106 may be spaced at a distance of about 3inches from each other.

The foundation cage 130 may be prefabricated or pre-constructed. Thefoundation cage 130 may be prefabricated to a standard configuration toprevent variability between foundation cages 130 compared to traditionalmethods where rebar is bent and tied together on site. The foundationcage 130 may be prefabricated off site from the installation site. Thefoundation cage 130 may be welded before it is installed in a hole inthe surface or before the foundation cage 130 is coupled to the post120. The prefabricated foundation cage 130 and the post 120 may becommercially available as a kit. In some embodiments, the foundationcage 130 is fabricated by welding steel or iron pieces together. Inother examples, the foundation cage 130 is formed as a single, integralpart by casting iron or steel (e.g., using a sand casting procedure).

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, foundation cage 130 may have a smaller topplan footprint than existing foundation cages. The foundation cage 130may have a diameter of about 8 inches, about 7 inches, about 6 inches,about 5 inches, about 4 inches, or about 3 inches. The foundation cage130 may have an inner diameter that is about 3 inches, about 2 inches,about 1 inch, about 0.5 inches, or about 0.25 inches larger than anouter diameter of the core 124. At least one of the horizontal rods 108and vertical rods 106 may have a diameter of about 0.5 inches, about 0.4inches, about 0.3 inches, or about 0.2 inches. The diameter of the core124 may be smaller than the diameter of the foundation cage 130. Thediameter of the foundation cage 130 may be smaller than the diameter ofthe cover 122.

Referring to FIG. 4, foundation cage 130 may have a larger verticalfootprint than existing bollard systems. Foundation cage 130 may have alength d₇ of about 48 inches, about 44 inches, about 40 inches, about 36inches, about 32 inches, about 28 inches, about 24 inches, or about 20inches. The distance d₈ between the surface 114 and the bottom of thefoundation cage 130 may be about 54 inches, about 50 inches, about 46inches, about 42 inches, about 38 inches, about 34 inches, or about 30inches. The distance d₉ between the bottom of the foundation cage 130and the bottom of the footing 110 may be about 12 inches, about 11inches, about 10 inches, about 9 inches, about 8 inches, about 7 inches,about 6 inches, about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about 2inches, or about 1 inch. The footing cage may have a height of about 36inches and a diameter of about 6 inches.

In some embodiments, the core 124 is installed into the ground withoutthe foundation cage 130. The core 124 may be installed at a depth ofabout 5 feet, about 3 feet, about 2 feet, or about 1 foot below gradewhen the core 124 is installed without the footing cage 130.

Referring to FIG. 3, the barrier system 100 may be placed in a hole inthe surface 114 with the substrate 112. At least one of the cover 122and the damper 126 may extend from the distal end 128 of the post 120substantially to the surface 114. The damper 126 may be spaced from thedistal end 128 of the core 124. A proximal end 129 of the core 124 maybe within the foundation cage 130 and the substrate 112 when the barriersystem 100 is installed.

Referring to FIG. 8, the barrier system 100 may be configured to bendalong a portion of its length extending from the ground such that thedistal end 128 of the post 120 deflects. In some embodiments, thecantilever bend of the post 120 acts to absorb and deflect energy fromthe vehicle to help to keep the post 120 intact, reduce damage to thevehicle and driver, and/or reduce air bag deployment. The bend of thepost 120 and absorption and deflection of may also allow for a smallerfooting, helping to make installation and replacement of the barriersystem 100 easier.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, in some embodiments, the post 120 may bendabout a base of the post 120 (e.g., where the post 120 exits the surface114) when the post 120 is impacted. In other embodiments, thedeformation of the post 120 is distributed along the length of the postwhen the post is impacted. In some embodiments, the post 120 ispermanently deformed when the post 120 is impacted. In otherembodiments, the post 120 elastically deforms and returns to itsoriginal or close to its original shape after impact. The post 120 mayundergo plastic deformation as a result of an impact.

Referring to FIG. 8, the distal end 128 the core 124 may deflect up tothe maximum distance d₁₂ while the lower or proximal end 129 of the core124 does not deflect because it is supported within foundation cage 130.A lateral impact force F₁ impinging upon post 120 is absorbed by thecore 124 as well as the cover 122 and the damper 126 and foundation cage130. The bending of the core 124 may help deflect some of the forces ofimpact. The core 124 may be resilient such that the core 124 elasticallybends or deflects to absorb some of the force of impact when impacted bya vehicle. In some high impact situations, the vehicle may lift up asthe vehicle extends past the original longitudinal centerline of thecore 124 thereby dissipating some of the force of impact. That force isdistributed through the foundation cage 130 and into the substrate 112surrounding foundation cage 130. In other embodiments, the barriersystem 100 does not include a cover 122 or damper 126 and the bend ofthe core 124 along with the footing 110 as disclosed herein aresufficient for the desired application (e.g., to satisfy the ASTM F3016standard).

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 8, the barrier system 100 may include thefoundation cage 130 that is about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%,about 25%, or about 30% larger than an outer diameter of the core 124and a distal end 128 of the core 124 deflects a maximum distance d₁₂ ofabout 48 inches, about 45 inches, about 42 inches, about 39 inches,about 36 inches, about 33 inches, about 30 inches, about 27 inches,about 24 inches, about 21 inches, about 20 inches, about 19 inches,about 18 inches, about 17 inches, about 16 inches, about 15 inches,about 14 inches, about 13 inches, about 12 inches, about 11 inches,about 10 inches, about 9 inches, about 8 inches, about 7 inches, about 6inches, about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about 2 inches,or about 1 inch when the barrier system 100 is struck by a vehicleweighing 5,000 pounds traveling at 30 miles per hour.

The barrier system 100 may be configured such that the deflectiondistance d₁₂ of the distal end 128 of the post 120 deflects a distancethat is in compliance with testing standards (e.g., ASTMF3016/F3016M-14, ASTM F2656/F2656M-18a, PAS 68, or IWA 14) standards.The barrier system 100 may exceed the minimum requirements for an ASTMF3016 rating. In some embodiments, the barrier system 100 exceeds theminimum requirements for the ASTM F3016 S20/S20/S30 and P1/P2 ratings.The deflection distance d₁₂ may be about 48 inches, about 47 inches,about 46 inches, about 45 inches, about 44 inches, about 43 inches,about 42 inches, about 41 inches, about 40 inches, about 39 inches,about 38 inches, about 37 inches, about 37 inches, about 36 inches,about 35 inches, about 34 inches, about 33 inches, about 32 inches,about 31 inches, about 30 inches, about 29 inches, about 28 inches,about 27 inches, about 26 inches, about 25 inches, about 24 inches,about 23 inches, about 22 inches, about 21 inches, about 20 inches,about 19 inches, about 18 inches, about 17 inches, about 16 inches,about 15 inches, about 14 inches, about 13 inches, about 12 inches,about 11 inches, about 10 inches, about 9 inches, about 8 inches, about7 inches, about 6 inches, about 5 inches, about 4 inches, about 3inches, about 2 inches, or about 1 inch when the barrier system 100 isstruck by a vehicle weighing 5,000 pounds traveling at 30 miles perhour.

The deflection distance d₁₂ may be about 15 inches, about 14 inches,about 13 inches, about 12 inches, about 11 inches, about 10 inches,about 9 inches, about 8 inches, about 7 inches, about 6 inches, about 5inches, about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about 2 inches, or about 1 inchwhen the barrier system 100 is struck by a vehicle weighing 5,000 poundstraveling at 20 miles per hour.

The deflection distance d₁₂ may be about 15 inches, about 14 inches,about 13 inches, about 12 inches, about 11 inches, about 10 inches,about 9 inches, about 8 inches, about 7 inches, about 6 inches, about 5inches, about 4 inches, about 3 inches, about 2 inches, or about 1 inchwhen the barrier system 100 is struck by a vehicle weighing 5,000 poundstraveling at 10 miles per hour.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the barrier system 100 may be installed in lesstime or with less disturbance to the surrounding area (e.g., concrete134) than existing bollard systems. The barrier system 100 may beinstalled in existing surfaces (e.g., sidewalks or parking lots) withoutthe need to replace large patches of the surface. A method of installingthe barrier system 100 may include core drilling an opening in thesurface 114. The core drill may have a drill bit size of about 24inches, about 22 inches, about 20 inches, about 18 inches, about 16inches, about 14 inches, about 12 inches, about 10 inches, about 8inches, about 6 inches, or about 4 inches. The method may includedigging a hole (e.g., with an auger) in the ground 132. Installing thebarrier system 100 with an auger may reduce installation time and avoidthe use of heavy machinery. The auger may have a size of about 24inches, about 22 inches, about 20 inches, about 18 inches, about 16inches, about 14 inches, about 12 inches, about 10 inches, about 8inches, about 6 inches, or about 4 inches.

The method may include positioning the core 124 within the recess 109defined by the foundation cage 130. The core 124 and the foundation cage130 may be placed in the hole. The method may include pouring in thesubstrate 112 (e.g., concrete having a strength of about 2,000 poundsper square inch to about 4,000 pounds per square inch). In someembodiments, an eye bolt (not shown) or other attachment is threadedinto the tap hole 125 and the core 124 is picked up by the eye bolt(e.g., using a hoist, forklift, or backhoe). Gravity may bias the core124 toward being plumb when the core 124 is picked up the eye bolt. Inother embodiments, the core 124 is checked for plumbness and adjusted(e.g., manually) as necessary to ensure the core 124 remains plumb asthe substrate 112 is added. The damper 126 and the cover 122 may becoupled to the core 124. The fastener 138 may be positioned in theopening 198 in each of the core 124, damper 126, and cover 122.

Referring to FIGS. 9-10, there is shown another embodiment of thebarrier system, generally designated 200. The barrier system 200 issimilar to the barrier system 100 except that the foundation cage 230 isdifferent from foundation cage 130. The foundation cage 230 may be of adesired shaped (e.g., cylindrical or rectangular) and formed by a seriesof spaced rings 232. The rings 232 may be horizontal. In someembodiments, the rings 232 are circular. In other embodiments, the rings232 have an arcuate shape but do not form a complete circle. In stillother embodiments, the rings 232 have a shape other than circular (e.g.,rectangular). The rings 232 within an upper portion 236 of thefoundation cage 230 may be closely spaced than rings 232 within a lowerportion 238 of the foundation cage.

Still referring to FIGS. 9-10, the rings 232 may be longitudinallyspaced from each other. The rings 232 may be coupled to one or more rods234. The rods 234 may extend longitudinally. The rods 234 may becircumferentially spaced.

Still referring to FIGS. 9-10, the barrier system 200 may include one ormore support members 240. The support member 240 may include spokes 242extending radially outwardly from a hub. The spokes 242 may be coupledto the rings 232. The support member 240 may include an opening 241(FIG. 10) to receive the core 124. At least one support member 240(e.g., the lowest support member 240 a) does not include an opening 241such that the support member 240 serves as a platform that supports theproximal end 129 of core 124. The rods 234, rings 240, and supportmembers 240 may be formed of a relatively rigid and high-strengthmaterial (e.g., steel).

The deflection distance d₁₂ of the core 124 may be similar or the samewhen either of foundation cage 130 and foundation cage 230 are utilizedwith the post 120. However, foundation cage 130 may have a smallerhorizontal area footprint. Either of foundation cage 130 and foundationcage 230 may be prefabricated or pre-constructed. The post 120 andeither of foundation cage 130 and foundation cage 230 may becommercially available as a kit. In some embodiments, the foundationcage either of foundation cage 130 and foundation cage 230 is fabricatedby welding steel or iron pieces together. In other examples, either offoundation cage 130 and foundation cage 230 is formed as a single,integral part by casting iron or steel (e.g., using a sand castingprocedure).

In certain applications, it may be preferable to have a barrier systemthat utilizes a shallow footing. Referring to FIGS. 11-14, there isshown another embodiment of the barrier system, generally designated300. The barrier system 300 is similar to barrier system 100 except thatthe foundation cage 330 is different from foundation cage 130. Thebarrier system 300 includes a post 320 and foundation cage 300.Similarly to barrier system 100 and barrier system 200, the barriersystem 300 is configured such that a deflection distance d₁₂ of a distalend 128 of the post 320 does not exceed a maximum deflection distancewhen the barrier system 300 is struck by a vehicle with a predeterminedweight traveling at a predetermined speed.

Referring to FIGS. 13-14, the post 320 may include cover 122, damper126, and a core 324. The cover 122 and the damper 126 may extend fromthe distal end 128 of the post 320 toward the surface 310. A proximalend 329 of the core 324 may extend within the substrate 308 thefoundation cage 330. The core 124 may include a hole 197 configured toreceive a fastener 163 (e.g., a threaded fastener, dowel, or pin). Thefastener 163 may couple the core 324 to the foundation cage 330.

Referring to FIGS. 11-12, the foundation cage 330 may include an array332 (e.g., a rectangular array) of cells 334. The cells 334 may be opencells 334. The cells 334 may be formed by an upper layer 336 and abottom layer 338. At least one of the upper layer 336 and the bottomlayer 338 may form a grid. In some embodiments, the upper layer 336 is amirror of the bottom layer 338. In other embodiments, the upper layer336 and the bottom layer 338 have different layouts. Posts 340 maycouple to the upper layer 336 and the bottom layer 338.

Referring to FIGS. 11-14, the foundation cage 330 may include a beam 342(e.g., an I-beam). The beam 342 may extend from a first lateral side 344to a second lateral side 346 of the rectangular array 332. The firstside 344 may be opposite the second side 346. The beam 342 may extendfrom a top of the foundation cage 330 to a bottom of the foundation cage300. The beam 342 may include a top opening 348 and a bottom opening 350sized and shaped to receive post 320. The bottom opening 350 may includea ridge 352 (FIG. 14). The ridge 352 may support the end of the core324. The ridge 352 may define a pocket configured to receive a flange326 on the core 324. The core 324 may include a flange 326. The flange326 may extend radially from the proximal end of the core 324. Theflange 326 may contact the foundation cage 330 to prevent the core 324from being pulled out of the foundation cage 330. The flange 326 mayhelp maintain the alignment of the core 324 relative to the foundationcage 330. The fastener 163 may protrude from at least one side of thecore 324 and be spaced from the flange 326 such that a portion of theridge 352 is secured between the fastener 163 and the flange 326 whenthe core 324 is coupled to the foundation cage 330.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in some embodiments, top opening 348 andbottom opening 350 are formed at one end of the beam 342. In otherembodiments, the top opening 348 and bottom opening 350 may bepositioned at other positions (e.g., more central) along the length ofthe beam 342. The foundation cage 330 may be aligned such that the beam342 is orientated in line with an expected direction of impact Fi of avehicle. The core 324 may extend from the foundation cage 330 proximatea front edge such that the foundation cage 330 extends from the core 324in a direction toward the protected area.

The foundation cage 330 may be prefabricated. In some embodiments, thefoundation cage 330 is fabricated by welding steel or iron piecestogether. In other examples, the foundation cage 330 is formed as asingle, integral part by casting iron or steel (e.g., using a sandcasting procedure).

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, the foundation cage 330 may have a widthd₁₃ of about 48 inches, about 44 inches, about 40 inches, about 36inches, or about 32 inches, about 28 inches, about 24 inches, about 20inches, or about 16 inches. The foundation cage 330 may have a lengthd₁₄ of about 60 inches, about 56 inches, about 52 inches, about 48inches, about 44 inches, about 40 inches, about 36 inches, or about 32inches, about 28 inches, about 24 inches, about 20 inches, or about 16inches. The foundation cage 330 may have a height d₁₅ of about 12inches, about 11 inches, about 10 inches, about 9 inches, about 8inches, about 7 inches, about 6 inches, about 5 inches, or about 4inches. The foundation cage 330 may be placed in a footing 312 withsubstrate 308 and the footing 312 may have a depth d₁₇ of about 14inches, about 12 inches, about 10 inches, about 8 inches, or about 6inches. The foundation cage 330 may be spaced from the bottom of thefooting 312 by a distance d₁₆ of about 10 inches, about 9 inches, about8 inches, about 7 inches, about 6 inches, about 5 inches, about 4inches, about 3 inches, about 2 inches, or about 1 inch. The core 324may extend above the ground surface 310 by a distance d₁₈ of about 48inches, about 44 inches, about 40 inches, about 36 inches, or about 32inches, about 28 inches, about 24 inches, about 20 inches, or about 16inches. The cover 122 may extend above the ground surface 310 by adistance d₁₉ of about 48 inches, about 44 inches, about 40 inches, about36 inches, or about 32 inches, about 28 inches, about 24 inches, about20 inches, or about 16 inches.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, it may be desirable to install the barriersystem 300 perpendicular to the ground surface 310. The foundation cage330 may be configured to adjust the orientation of the upper layer 336relative to the ground surface 310. The foundation cage 330 may includeleveling feet (not shown). The leveling feet may be coupled to thebottom layer 338. The leveling feet may contact the bottom of the hole.The height of the leveling feet may be adjustable (e.g., via a threadedengagement) relative to the bottom layer 338. The core 324 may extendthrough the top opening 348 and the bottom opening 350 such that theorientation of the core 324 is fixed relative to the bottom layer 338.The leveling feet may adjust the orientation of the core 324 relative tothe ground surface 310 as the leveling feet adjust the orientation ofthe bottom layer 338.

The barrier system 300 may be installed in a hole in the surface 114.The hole to install barrier system 300 may have a larger horizontalfootprint than the hole required for barrier system 100. Referring toFIGS. 11-14, a method of installing barrier system 300 may includedigging a hole that is appropriately sized and shaped to foundation cage330. The method may include inserting the core 324 through the bottomopening 350 of the bottom layer 338 and up through the top opening 348of the upper layer 336. In some embodiments, the substrate 308 is addedprior to coupling the damper 126 and cover 122 to the core 324. In otherembodiments, the damper 126 and the cover 122 are coupled to the core324 before adding the substrate 308.

The method may include positioning the damper 126 and cover 122 over thecore 324 so that the holes 198 in each of the cover 122, damper 126, andcore 324 are aligned. A fastener may be inserted through the holes 198to secure the cover 122 and the damper 126 to the core 324. The fastener163 may be inserted through the hole 197 at the lower end of the core124, to secure the post 320 to the beam 342 of foundation cage 330. Post320 and foundation cage 330 may be placed within the hole so that theelongate cover 122 is exposed above the surface of ground. Thefoundation cage 330 may be positioned such that the beam 342 is alignedwith an expected direction of impact. The levelling feet may be adjustedsuch to achieve a desired orientation of the post 320 relative to theground surface. The substrate 308 (e.g., concrete) may be poured intothe hole to secure the entire barrier system 300 into the ground.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above withoutdeparting from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood,therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplaryembodiments shown and described, but it is intended to covermodifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention asdefined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplaryembodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and variousfeatures of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unlessspecifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are notlimited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at leastone”.

It is to be understood that at least some of the figures anddescriptions of the invention have been simplified to focus on elementsthat are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, whileeliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion ofthe invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art,and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding ofthe invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.

Further, to the extent that the methods of the present invention do notrely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particularorder of the steps should not be construed as limitation on the claims.Any claims directed to the methods of the present invention should notbe limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, andone skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may bevaried and still remain within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A method of installing a bollard comprising:digging a hole having a maximum diameter of 24 inches into a groundsurface; inserting a first end of an impact receiving post having asolid cross section into a foundation cage, the impact receiving posthaving a diameter of 4 inches and a height of about 24 inches to about48 inches; inserting the foundation cage and the impact receiving postinto the hole; and pouring concrete into the hole to cover thefoundation cage.
 27. The method of claim 26 further comprising: coredrilling an opening in a surface, wherein the core drilling step isperformed prior to the digging step.
 28. The method of claim 27, whereincore drilling includes drilling with a 12-inch drill bit.
 29. The methodof claim 27, wherein digging the hole includes using a 10-inch auger.30. The method of claim 26 further comprising: prefabricating orpre-constructing the foundation cage to a standard configurationoff-site from the installation site.
 31. The method of claim 26, whereinthe foundation cage is completely underground once the foundation cageand the impact receiving post have been inserted into the hole.
 32. Themethod of claim 26, wherein the foundation cage at least partiallysupports the impact receiving post in an upright position before theconcrete is poured in the hole.
 33. The method of claim 26, wherein thedigging of the hole is achieved using only an auger.
 34. The method ofclaim 26, wherein the foundation cage is commercially available as akit.
 35. The method of claim 26 further comprising: installing a coverover the distal end and a distal portion of the outer surface of theimpact receiving post and a damper sandwiched between the cover and theimpact receiving post, wherein the damper is comprised of an elastomericmaterial.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the impact receiving postincludes a post height as measured from the proximal end to the distalend, and wherein the damper includes a damper proximal end, a damperdistal end, and a damper height as measured from the damper proximal endto the damper distal end, the damper height being approximately 40percent to approximately 60 percent of the post height.
 37. The methodof claim 26, wherein the distal end of the impact receiving post isunsupported and configured to deflect relative to the proximal end ofthe impact receiving post and the bollard is a single, standalonebollard that complies with ASTM F3016 when the foundation cage and atleast a portion of the impact receiving post are installed in concretebeneath the ground surface.
 38. The method of claim 26, wherein thefoundation cage and the impact receiving post are configured to limit adisplacement of the distal end of the impact receiving post to 48 inchesor less when the bollard is struck by a vehicle weighing up to 5,000pounds and traveling at up to 10 mph when the foundation cage and atleast a portion of the impact receiving post are installed in concretebeneath the ground surface.
 39. The method of claim 26, wherein thefoundation cage is cylindrical and has an inner diameter approximatelyequal to the outer diameter of the impact receiving post.
 40. The methodof claim 26, wherein the bollard is unattached to other bollards orsupport systems.
 41. The method of claim 26, wherein the foundation cageis configured to support the impact receiving post in generally thefinal position under the ground surface before adding concrete.
 42. Amethod of installing a bollard comprising: core drilling an opening in aground surface using a drill bit; digging a hole using an auger toextend the opening to a maximum diameter of 24 inches; inserting a firstend of an impact receiving post into a foundation cage, the impactreceiving post having a diameter of 4 inches and a height of about 24inches to about 48 inches; inserting the foundation cage and the impactreceiving post into the hole, the foundation cage at least partiallysupporting the impact receiving post in an upright position beforeconcrete is poured in the hole; and pouring concrete into the hole tocover the foundation cage.